Back again! After a long time dealing with war, feeling like a diplomat and getting onwards with cunning plans Aldrakar got stuck on a ferry..Damn I won't set food on ferries for a long long time now. Anyways, a little return to Civilization RP along with some personal touches. Enjoy.

The Ferry Man

Weeks spend on the mirror surface of the ocean. Waves ever away from vision and mind even prayers did not persuade the water to motion as sailors tried everything in desperation. The journey from Port Nebel to Giask took many more days.. weeks than it should've. Aldrakar stood on deck looking out towards the land that was Luria. Finally! He thought to himself. What gods above or below conspired to keep this ship from moving for so long! Deckmen scurried about as they fixed sail-ines, ropes and in general did the bidding of the first mate.

The massive sprawl of civilization that was Giask dominated the landscape before them. Spires of brown clay, some of white and countless houses arrayed in neat lines in the center and enormous chaotic hives on the outer parts of the city. City walls that dated back to the ancient days, weary with the passage of time but kept in good shape by the stone masons guild and the ever flowing stream of coin from the mistress of the city. Aldrakar felt elated that he would soon be on solid ground again even if he had grown quite the set of sea legs already by now.

''Mornin'! Imp'rial 'Arshal!'' slurred the captain of the ferry. The thickset and balding man slowly approached Aldrakar. ''Damn fine sight if I say so Me'self!'' the aging mans hands resting on the rail of the ship as he leaned out a bit.''Quite so Captain.'' Aldrakar said in less than friendly manner. ''Docking will be complete before noon I assume?'' His tone anything but a question. ''Noon, Night.. Who can tell?'' The near chubby man purred as he shrugged. Aldrakar felt a surge of anger pass through his body but waited it out as he clutched the heavy beams that made up the ship's rail. The Ferry man, percieving potential danger lumbered away again to pick on an unexpecting deckhand that did entirely nothing wrong to begin with.

The day stretched out before all aboard but the ship never touched the docks. As with everything in the big cities, there were ques. Ships lined up to moore, cranes had a schedual and workmen had to be allocated before anything really got done. Late that evening Aldrakar was finally able to disembark from the cursed ferry and wasted no time in setting off towards the Royal Rangers Guildhouse. It was no secret that his prized weapon, a flaming Broadsword was heavily damaged. The battles on Nebel island taking their toll as Luria did on D'haran lives so did D'haran armour exact a toll on Lurian Steel.

Before he left however he dispatched a messenger to inform Lady Lucini of his arrival in Giask with promise to visit her. A small guard of perhaps 6 men accompanied Aldrakar as he mounted up on a linnen coloured steed of mixed breeding. He couldn't care less at this time and put the beast to a canter and away they were.

A quick second RP. This one elaborating on the ending of the previous. Aldrakar arriving at Talratheon Estate in Giask. Enjoy!

A quick visit

The ship that had carried Aldrakar over the mirror sea between D'hara and Luria was still in port. Its crew enjoying the taverns and various drinking holes that the docklands were rich in. Rumor spread about a ted haired woman that was supposed to have tamed a lion but then again don't give much credence to rumors. They're usually wrong.

With a small company of mounted men, their number just over the 5 fingers of a man's hand did Aldrakar arrive at the old Ducal Palace of Giask. The structure was as lavish as it was large. Gardens the size of city blocks, fountains spacious enough to hold bath parties in and stables with enough cot's to house a full company of horsemen twice over! The outer walls of the complex looked damaged, vandalized even. Foul incribings upon the rock, dirt staining the pristine white and even dried blood if you really paid attention.

Riding up to the arched gatehouse saw the group of 7 horsemen easily allowed in. There was some benefit to bearing the Imperial Banner after all. Maybe it was the close relation House Renodin had with House Talratheon. The horses were left in the care of the stable master and several servants tried their best to keep a pack of hunting dogs at bay as they barked loudly at the arrival of the newcomers. Aldrakar smiled freely as he took in the amazing sights. Wide avenues leading away from the Gatehouse towards the various main buildings of which the Talratheon estate was comprised of. Lush with vegetation and dotted with impressive statues. A streak of uncertainty skirted across his face and it must've shown. At least it did to an aged and whitehaired butler, servant or whatever his title was. He enjoyed some respect from the lesser servants and apparently he felt it his place to address Aldrakar. ''This way your Lordship.'' The man bowed down and made a grand gesture which indicated one of the main buildings.

Walking with the aged servant Aldrakar dismissed his men to rest in the common barracks on the estate and they in turn saluted and were bad enough not to hide their gleaful grins at the prospect of Exploring this place for themselves. The old servant led Aldrakar to a large and tall if not decorated door upon which he knocked. A looking slit opened and youthful eyes peered out. A hushed intake of breath preceded the large door from opening as the looking slit closed and allowing both Aldrakar and the old servant inside.

They made their way to a reception room, a waiting room really. It was majestic and opulent as only the Masters of Giask could afford. Carefully taking a seat on one of the neatly arranged cushioned benches Aldrakar took off his dark brown leather gloves and ran a hand through his mane of sun blond hair. Waiting patiently on word if the Mistress of the Estate was present and had some time for him.

This time I was convinced by someone to also archive the small RP's I sometimes write and send out. Usually to only a handful of people and really don't take much time to type up. This one describes (briefly) how Aldrakar arives to the city of Shinnen and sends out messengers to give his regards to other nobles present.

Regards to the other nobles

Riding with the small group of soldiers Aldrakar sat atop a beige colored steed. His dark brown cloak covering half of the creature and resisting the tug of the early morning wind. Noticing the banners of Sir Terentius and Sir Ormans a mailed hand points at two of his men at arms. ''Deliver my regard to the respective nobles of the realm.'' Aldrakar said with a calm but authoritative voice.

The clatter of hooves echoed through the winding streets as they continued on their way towards the local market.

Hey everyone! This is a proper, decent lenght battle RP. Its against monsters but thats to be expected with this new Wave of critters besieging many realms. They kinda cought Aldrakar off guard as you may read. Enjoy!

Through skeletal hands

It was a baleful day this autumn day which Aldrakar found himself traveling through. Trees were harassed by strong winds and and many a peasant was seen busy tending to their vulnerable roofs. Thatch mended, tiles replaced or unfortunate enough to have parts of the roof entirely ripped off their homes.

With the rich browns, yellows and reds surrounding the small company of men that were the last remaining Shieldguards did Aldrakar set out from Aveston to Askileon. The first region to cross was Thar Gortuath. The land stretched out before them as it was dotted with gently sloped hills, sparse woodlands and numerous villages. The roads had endured the same treatment as the dwellings of the poor and its state was much to be desired of.

That being as it was, the small group of armed men had chosen to avoid a particular bad section of the road network. A traveling bard had informed them that not a day travel away the road had been washed away by a storm, littered with debris and had told that traveling through the country side would prove quicker. After taking short council with his sergeant Aldrakar had opted to do exactly this. The land was not unfamiliar as he had traveled through the domains of Sun Hall many times. That didn't mean that surprises could still be thrown at him though, as fate seemed to have in store.

Somewhere just after mid morning when the 6 soldiers and Aldrakar were keeping an eye out for a place to stop and enjoy their lunch time meal did fate reveal her surprise to the unsuspecting group. That morning had been plagued by light mists and occational drizzle that had made the landscape slick and slippery. Perhaps the road would've been a better choice but that was hindsight. Row with the oars you got, as the saying went.

Walking on foot and at the head of the small group was the youngest member of the shieldguard. A handsome and strapping youth of just 19 summers old, Jalen was his name. Proven skill and in possesion of an easy charm that had endeared him to the group. It had been his turn to take point and he had done so without complaint and whistled as he took in the vista that was Luria at autumn.

Life was snatched from him before he ever could prevent it. From a nearby and ancient oak lept a corpse with unnatural agility. Bleak and color stolen blond hair hung wildly down its shoulders and revealed patches of rotten skin on its skull where hair no longer inhabited its head. Jalen's body crunched and collapsed under the impact as the undead monstrosity landed feet first on his shoulders. Ribs breaking and bursting outwards as they failed to absorb the force. Blood bursting from under the armor where it could and making of his upper torse a deformed mess.

''To Arms!'' The scar riddled sergeant's voice boomed through the thinning mist. ''On me! Shieldguard!'' Aldrakar's voice joined his. The sound of Lurian steel being drawn from sheathes and mailed boots crunching dead leafs underfoot. As the men formed on their commander did their enemy reveal themselves. Not a singular unnatural foe had ambushed them but with him where others. From the foilage, brown and nebulous appeared over 2 dozen skeletal warriors.

With flesh long gone from their bones the rattle of their age worn and battered armor filled the air as they rushed the huddled group of men. Supernatural shrieks were born from tongueless mouths as the undead charged. The few moments before impact saw Aldrakar's men exchange worried glances and tiny beads of cold sweat form on their faces. Would they soon join the ranks of the unliving was their unspoken question.

In a clash of bone and steel and flesh did the two unbalanced forced crash together. The 6 men a rock engulved by a wave of chipped swords, decayed axes and grabbing skeletal hands. Worn symbols and icons displayed that were hardly recognizable and lost to time. With an upward swipe of his sword wielded in a two handed grip did Aldrakar smash off the head of an udead warrior. The man next to him covered his side with his shield and caught two undead of his own. One he grazed with a stab and the other clung onto his shield. To the living it was clear, they would loose and die. Too many, to few of them.

Voices carried through the mist and shouts of alarm could be heard. Aldrakar could spare them no attention as he fought for his life. The blade in his hand a poor mimicry of his trusted flaming broadsword. Cold and bony hands sought him out and grapped at him from all angles. He shouted his defiance and pushed his body to its limits. Every ounce of strength used to wrest free and fight!

Skeletal hands receded for a moment. Lifeless heads turned away from the small clump of dying men. A new threat was posed to the Bone Walkers. From a short distance away, if you were stood on a higher vantage point that is, there were the Madigan Guard. Militia men counting roughly the same number as the Undead. Equally split between ranks of archers and swordsmen.Valiantly did they enter the fray. Their blades held high as they stormed to aid the embattled noble.

Hessir, a man Aldrakar had known for 2 years. A veteran of the sieges and battles of Nebel Island, Jumped in front of a spearhead poised to rob Aldrakar of life. Giving his own in his stead. ''Hessir! No!'' Tears welled in Aldrakar's eyes as he chopped at the spear and saw the flimsy wood shatter under the assault. Hessir groaned with pain as the spearhead was no longer wielded by an undead but instead was driven deeper by the force of Aldrakar's blow. The price of impulse.

The undead turned nearly entirely towards the militia as their assumed leader, the Leaper, shrieked unnatural tones that caused grown men to wet themselves and wish for the mothers. This respite allowed Aldrakar to back out, to run. Finding himself and 1 other man still able to fight they saw at their feet all their brothers in arms. Fallen, dead or close to it. ''Help me!'' Aldrakar snapped with vehemence to the sole remaining soldier as he put his sword away and heaved one of the wounded to his feet. Together they managed to extract 3 of the wounded and themselves. The militia was to be their salvation, brave common guards. The day was won but victory is a sweet word only when free of loss.

Hey everyone! After the battle in Thar Gortauth Aldrakar was invited to meet the Emperor of Luria Nova in Shinnen Purlieus. A townslands just outside the city of Shinnen. It was the personal Lordship of the Emperor and naturally Aldrakar obeyed the summons of his Sovereign Ruler.

Arrival in Shinnen Purlieus

The last 6 hours were better. They had found the road again and with it safety. The hours before the last 6 were dark. Hessir had been left behind. The man had jumped in front of a spear that would've delivered a mortal wound to Aldrakar. A wound he had taken instead and not recovered from. Forced by circumstance had his body been left in the wake of the retreat. There were just too many undead and too little time or strength to carry him.

Of the 7 soldiers that were alive yesterday, Aldrakar including, only 4 remained today. Jalen the youth, Hessir and Gorrick dead. The price of security, war or whatever you wanted to call it, their shades were in a better place now one could only hope.

The day was beginning to warm again as the sun bathed the autumn landscape around Shinnen Purlieus in its light. A short and restless night was spend on the road and Aldrakar looked worse for wear. Mild pockets under his eyes and his hair unruly. He licked his dry lips as his hand went to a small waterskin suspended from his belt. Taking a swig from the watered down ale that it contained did he take in the sight of the town-land before him.

Thin trails of woodsmoke rose from many of the chimneys and the orange glow of the rising sun made it all look so peaceful. Finishing the swig with a rub of his sleeve across his mouth Aldrakar belted the waterskin again. ''Only a small hour now until we can get a decent meal.'' He attempted to make it sound encouraging but probably failed judging by the looks of the 3 other soldiers.

That small hour felt like an age as tired legs laboured to bring the battle weary men to the settlement. Some particularly early waking peasants nodded to the small group of armed men but made sure to stay well away, you never know. A lone verminator dog prowled the streets and fiercely barked at spotted prey as he gave chase. Aldrakar led his group towards the local residence of the Emperor, Shinnen Purlieus was after all the private lordship of the Emperor.

With crumpled parchment in hand did they arrived somewhere late morning. The note had summoned him to this place and by invitation of the Emperor. Aldrakar had no idea what the meeting was to be about though. As much as he was curious he still felt sharp loss at the deaths of Hessir and Jalen. He would mourn them when duty permitted, if fate allowed him to be that strong.

Hey again! The Rp created with the Player of Lucini Talratheon of Giask continued. There were a few more private Rp's send. Mostly character to character but this one I shared with the entire realm. Basically Lucini got pregnant, went into labor and her secretary send a short letter informing Aldrakar of this. He at the time was to meet the Emperor and did. Followed by him taking a ship from Shinnen Purlieus to travel to Askileon to refit, or is he?

Gentle waves

The ship had set sail from Shinnen Purlieus harbor. It was a small cargo ship, it was the only one available at short notice. Aldrakar had decided not to disrupt civilian life by commandeering a different ship and instead paid for passage. Fortunately the captain of the ''Coin Casket'' was quite happy with such esteemed a passanger as the Imperial Marshal. The stocky man had harried Aldrakar with praise and questions unstoppable.

Until a certain war ravaged sergeant told the man to back off in a tone that left absolutely nothing to question what would happen if he didn't. Being a weak spined merchant the man naturally made up a feeble excuse to move off, the result was the same though, peace and quiet.

The Euschean Sea was blessedly calm today. Its the body of water that lies at the center of Luria Nova. It connects the cities of Shinnen, Giask and Askileon and opens up to the ocean that holds the D'haran Isles. Seated on a stool and with a breakfast tray on his lap Aldrakar did his best to pen letters that he could send ahead as soon as the ship moored again. The rays of sunlight only negated in their warmth by the cold autumn breeze.

To the Secretary of Lady Lucini,

Hours have passed and even a day but no further messages did reach me. What has happened?! Inform me of her status, the child and her health. Do this without reservation and hold back no content of news, no matter how shocking or absurd. I need to know she is alright.

Is it a boy? How does he look? What colour is his hair and does he have all his fingers and toes? Did he cry when he came into the world? You must record all this and more for me. You must.

Let her know that she is on my mind and that I personally attempt to blow additional air into the sails of this ship upon which I find myself pressently if only it would move a little faster.

Only the most skilled of medicae are to tend to her and the baby. Be it a girl let Lucini know that I am not disappointed or feel wronged. She may not carry my sons in the future but still she would be a star on my Heaven. Remember not to share the content of this letter with anyone but Lucini herself. I am not a violent man but ask you upon your honor to respect my wishes.

With respect,

Aldrakar regularly had to brush aside a strand of sun-kissed, blond hair from his face as the breeze conspired to obscure his vision as he wrote. The gentle sway of the ship as it traversed the waters of the inland sea captured in the flow of the letters as they were penned. Upon completion Aldrakar sanded the letter with a fine beige sediment he had acquired before departure. The beaches of Shinnen were pristine indeed. With practised hand he rolled the parchment up and sealed it away in a scroll-container.

Looking out over the innocent and small whitecaps that crested the waves for as far as the eye could see did Aldrakar imagine the face of his baby boy or girl, whatever fate had bestowed upon him.

Back again! This time with a short RP about Aldrakar visiting Giask. He was support to stay and help and etc but Monsters rose and called him away! Duty and not Love or Life.

The Quick Stop

The ferry was crammed with soldiers. Men of predominantly dark, oaken brown or simply black hair. Sun kissed skin and fairly tall as befits Lurian stock. The inland sea was kind again today. Few waves and less disturbances but with enough wind to keep a steady pace. Naturally the captain was pleased to be done with this trip, having over one hundred, bored soldiers on your ship was never a good thing.

Giask's harbor waited patiently for them and looked inviting as the sea barriers stretched out into the dark waters like spreading arms, ready to embrace. Sea gulls flew overhead and heralded the entry of the ferry that flew the colors of the Imperial Marshal. This of course ensured preferential service and made things go that much more smoothly as the ship disgorged its cargo of warriors.

''Be back at nightfall, you lot will sleep on the boat!'' Came the stern voice of the aged sergeant that was ever in Aldrakar's employ. The men had been told before but it wouldn't hurt to tell them again. This was only a brief visit, their presence was requested by the Lord Vice-Marshal Zajar of Sun Hall. It was Aldrakar's intent to stay a few days but his visit would have to be cut short in favor of duty, always duty.

With the 4 men alloted to be his personal guard that day did he mount a simple hunter horse that was provided to him by the dockmaster and set out towards the Talratheon estate, palace really. The city was recovering well but he saw ample of occations where he couldn't put his men to good use, sadly that wasn't to be. Monsters needed culling and swords were needed in Sun Hall. Aldrakar closed his vision to the city and kept his gaze on the residence of his love, the gleaming palace of Giask.

Word has it that Aldrakar was admitted with little problem or delay. He acted rather familiar with the servants of theTalratheon estate and they in turn were rather tight lipped about what the Imperial Marshal was doing or where he went. Rumor had it that the Lady Lucini had given birth to sons. Not one but more! Some claim this is a load of horse [email protected]#$, she is a stone statue that deals in death, not life. Persistant the rumors remain however and when the Imperial Marshal was spotted again at the docks of Giask he wore a broad smile and seemed in the very best of spirits. Makes one wonder nay..?

Hey there! The previous RP was to the realm and for all to see. This is what I send to the Player of Lucini Talratheon. So I wrote 2 Rp's. One for the public eye and one for the private eye. Not sure if this will lead to anything but I felt it would be fun to create this little dynamic. Enjoy!

Servants and Heralds

In halls just outside her chamber voices could be heard. They mixed, one overpowered the other and then a chuckle followed by some other men. One in particular was passionate and full of fire, it sounded familiar in a way.

The door opened and closed, a servant hurried in his cheeks red with exertion or anger. Taking a meagre two gulps of air before he continued he spoke ''Mistress Lucini, I am terribly sorry to disturb you but the Imperial Marshal, his Lordship Renodin insisted on nearly breaking down the front door!'' The man's voice nearing a squeel at the end of his sentence. His little hands balled into fists he straightened his back as he continued. ''This is most unseemly behavior. I shall have him thrown out instantly! With your permission of course M'lady.'' At this the servant bowed deeply but didn't quite stop spewing words. Softly he mumbled on ''Damn that impertinent rascal. If only he hadn't brough along those other ruffians of his. Pushing around servants and barging through the hallways of Talratheon estate!''

Patiently the Servant waited for his Mistress to respond. The noise in the hallway ever growing louder as the group of men drew closer. A soft grating sound of metal ringmail mingled with heavy footfalls of undoubtedly armoured boots and the flutter of fabric, likely capes.

Here is the RP written by the player of Lucini Talratheon. As always its quality stuff and rich in detail which always makes me wonder what I could've added in previous Rp's! Damn it hehe.

Lucini was laid in bed, wearing nothing more than a black chemise, the blanket risen high to her chest with her arms tucked over. the room had been sealed off for the exception of a single window that could allow. The rest of the room was lit with braziers and candlelight she was weakened from blood loss yet was unable to sleep and instead looking to the boys she birthed laying in their bassinets at the side of her grand bed. Beside the them in a chair sat the slumbering wet nurse. Lucini smiled sweetly when the door opened and closed and the servant approached, her half lidded green eyes looking to him in tired curiosity.

"What i.." She said out in a whispered voice, not that she was attempting to whisper but in fact she was unable to speak loudly as all having worn out her voice in the previous days. She finally raised a hand silencing the man and gesturing him closer, as she whispered to him "You bid him entrance.. or I will have your flesh flayed from your body, and hand your corpse from the city walls." She looked to the servant with a weak gaze, however those who knew of her knew she didn't joke when it came to her duties of 'death'. She was infamous for being quite ruthless when the time came.

She watched the servant bow and cower away leaving the room, as she tried to move to make her self look more presentable but failing after she attempted to sit up but fail and merely laid there. Her hair was sweat dampened, his skin pale (as usual), her body feverish and she looked weaker than the sons she bore. She snapped her fingers to the wet nurse who pretended to sleep through the servant's presence but opened her eyes and stood up. Lucini gesture to the door with her hand as the wet nurse got the messages and tucked the babes in a bit more and made sure they were breathing and alright before bowing slightly to her lady and leaving. Now just to wait for Aldrakar to come in she supposed..

Naturally it was my turn again and I hope I did the occation justice. It was fun to write but hard to capture the words and emotions if not ambiance that formed in my mind. Aldrkar seeing his 2 sons for the first time. Neither which he named himself.

Long delayed reunion

As the servant shuffled out of the room, the threats of death and pain sprouting vivid images in his mind. The door quietly closed behind him as he exited. A roar of manly laughter came from the other side. Voices not familiar to the Talratheon estate. Some friendly jibes were made and then Aldrakar's voice, a bit more commanding than usual. Snickers died away and the door opened to admit a single person entry.

The swish of mail armour dampened only by a heavy fabric tabard. Polished gloves likewise of mail hung from a thick and plated belt. Close by was of course the sheath that held a quality sword and from the shoulder suspended was the rich brown cape that proudly sported the heraldry of Aveston. The single window of the room allowed for little breeze but it was sufficient for now to supply fresh air and doubled as an agent to carry the scent of a man of war deep into the chamber. Aldrakar had made effort to be more presentable however, the ship he had arrived in was extensively used for bathing, hair combing and all that stuff, even nail cleaning!

He scanned the room and found his legs carry him towards the grand bed that held Lucini. The floor resonating the foortsteps and the clang of metal covered boots announcing him like crass trumpeteers. ''Lucini..?'' The word inflated with wonder, some question and with an undertone of concern. She usually was quite regal and present. Making his way to the bedside he looked down upon her withered features. Worry marking his face heavily as he bend down over towards her and placed a kiss on her lips and a hand on her cheek. Both to reassure her of his authenticity and take a measure of her condition. His hand registering a small furnance ensnared in her cheeks. ''You look worse than me after fighting fangbeasts of Thar Gorthauth.'' He said with a smirk followed with a wink.

Looking over to the Bassinet Aldrakar rose again and walked gingerly towards it. His face as radiant as the sun in mid summer, eyes filled with marvel and his feet as rooted to the spot as an ancient oak. There lay both his son's, Aldrakar the 2nd and Asher. Little tufts of blond hair covering their heads and where Aldrakar the 2nd was sound asleep did Asher inquisitively look at Aldrakar the 1st with little emeralds for eyes. Aldrakar reached down to Asher's face and gently stroked his cheek with index and midle finger.

Returning to Lucini's side did he take a seat near her on the bed and let his hand wander to intertwine with her's. Damning the bedsheets and bringing ruin to fine cloth with his armor but it did little to stir guilt in him. He eased against the wall against which the bed stood and sat there with his woman. In the room that held his family.

Ouch, long time no see. I've paused and decided life was kind enough to allow me to return. Here is the Rp I wrote to give some justification for Aldrakar's absence. Much has changed since and he will undoubtedly need to adjust a lot.

Failed Ransom

The day was warming up and the smears of blood across his tunic made it clear that he had been up to no good. A few travelers he had encountered all gave him wary looks and had evaded him. Aldrakar carefully fingered his ribs, one or two spots felt particular sore but he had to press on. -Have to get to Askileon. My men.. they were all slaughtered. I will avenge every single one of them!- The thought fueled him on as the forest still conspired to present him with yet more obstacles. Leaping over fallen and rotting trees, crossing roads of uneven cobble, evading ruffians that prowled the countryside just outside the Silver City and more.

His clothes were in tatters. Not only by natural wear and tear but also through more sinister machinations. Fresh scars had since formed on his body and they will always remind him of captivity. It was about a year ago now or was it more? Memory gets lost when nothing reminds of the passing of time. They had come in ambush, they had come with crossbows. The last of the Rendorian Shieldguard that had fought off monsters stood bravely but were mercilessly cut down by the paid professionals. That was after all what they proved to be. Paid with silver by a man that styled himself a Captain Gyves.

He was a cruel man with a taste for sadism and inflicting pain. His crew and a few local blades for hire had taken Aldrakar by surprise that one fateful, early evening. They killed off anyone and anything, simply to revel in the slaughter and did it with enviable ease. The mountains of the South Divide was where they stowed him in a dark cell of natural rock. Roughly cut and it stank of urine and other fluids of the body long before Aldrakar was ever held there.

They beat him for information, they played heart-wrenching mind-games with him and Gyves was a particular skilled knifes-man. Immense was the pleasure to see the shock in that man's eyes when his lungs failed to provide air for speech and his life was drawn from him as the dagger blade was pulled out from his chest.

Escape wasn't easy and there was quite some fighting. Cuts and bruises and perhaps a broken rib are the unspoken testimonies of those engagements but he lived, that was what mattered.

Looking at the huge and imposing gatehouse of the Silver City of Askileon Aldrakar knew a moment of hesitation. ''Lucini, it won't be long. I'll be there soon.'' The muttered words reinforced his conviction and on he pressed. His hair was dirty, unkempt and soiled. The same could be said for most of his body and even his fingertips were raw and bloody, if not broken. A piece of simple hemp rope kept rough woolen trousers up and a tattered and blood-smeared tunic clung to his sweat stained torso.

''Hold you beggar! No entry into the Silver City, Jewel of Luria for Vagrants like you!'' A guard in splint-mail imperiously yelled at him as he brandished his halberd. Several teenage boys lounging on a nearby wall were looking on in anticipation as they fully expected the beak-nosed gate-guard to give the shabby beggar a right beating. Pulling himself up to his full high Aldrakar made a visible effort to look anything like his former self. ''I am the Imperial Marshal of the Hegemony of Luria, Earl of Aveston, Trusted friend of the Former Emperor Seoras, Husband to the Imperial Conciliator Lucini Talratheon Renodin, Master of the Royal Rangers and you will not withhold me from entering the city of the Ice Queen.''

Vomit splashed freely onto the finely build stone road. The world swirled as view settled on the blue sky above and as his senses returned he felt the tang of Iron in his mouth and his ears registered a mean laughter. ''And I'm the Prophet Reborn! Bwahaha!'' The gate-guard paced around Aldrakar's prostate body and gave a vicious kick to his midriff. Aldrakar groaned, blood leaking from his nostrils and broken lower lip. ''I am he.'' Aldrakar all but wheezed. The guard called out to one of his buddies that was enjoying the show from a distance and then turned his attention back to the huddled form on the ground.

His eyes widened and his scrotum contracted as his eye fell on the ring Aldrakar held up at him. The guard swallowed hard, the insignia on the ring was unmistakable. The Office of the Imperial Marshal. ''Take me to the Palace, they will confirm my words and reward you for helping me.'' Darkness settled in as wakefulness submitted to oblivion. Aldrakar passed out and a drove of commoners passed him by and saw him as little more than scum and filth.

Later on that same day Aldrakar was being tended to by the court Physician. Mainly by administering a bath, healing salves and applying bandages. His body felt like ruin but there was hope as it also craved food like a mighty Lion! This is how Aldrakar Renodin returned to Luria Nova and the world.